When first looking for a Rhinoplasty surgeon or nose specialist, you should ask yourself these three questions:

1. Are they credible (e.g are they a certified doctor)?

Credibility comes in lots of forms, from qualifications, proof of skill and even referrals from friends and friends of friends. Doing your research is important as many of us have heard about cosmetic botch jobs performed by people who are not trained professionally, or who do not have the expertise, certification or a legitimate doctorate.

The biggest thing when looking for qualifications is seeing if they are board-certified. Board certifications mean that your surgeon is a specialist and has met the nationally recognised standards for education, knowledge, experience, and skills needed to perform Plastic Surgery.

Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD FACS is our Rhinoplasty specialist at 111 Harley St. and is a triple board-certified Plastic Surgeon. He’s a member of the following boards:

• The American Board of Plastic Surgery
• The UK GMC Special Register of Plastic Surgery
• European Board of Plastic Surgery

Proof of skill is the other thing to look for, this can largely be demonstrated through their Rhinoplasty before and after photographs, along with Plastic Surgery reviews they have on platforms such as TrustPilot, RealSelf and Doctify.

2. How long have they been practising for?

While experience not always correlate directly with ability, it’s always reassuring to know your doctor regulary performs nose jobs, from Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty, to Nose Tip Refinement, to Asian Rhinoplasty – whatever the type or surgery you desire. Practice makes perfect after all…

You can learn about Dr Yannis’ almost thirty years of surgery here and see the results that speak of his experience and skill themselves.

4. Talk about your expectations

While Rhinoplasties have transformative effects, it’s important to discuss your expectations with your chosen Plastic Surgeon so you can get the most of out of your surgery.

Managing our patients’ expectations means you’ll come out of the surgery feeling happy with the results. We use a 3D Simulator so you can see what Dr Yannis plans to do to help you meet your goals.

Other things to ask when choosing your surgeon

When was your last Rhinoplasty procedure?

Can you tell me more about the 111 Harley St Patient Promise and what the policy is for Rhinoplasty revisions?

How many revisions have you had to perform and why?

What technique will be used for my Rhinoplasty procedure?

Will I be put under a local or general anaesthetic?

Are my expectations realistic and what kind of results can I hope to achieve?

When can I expect to see the final results?

How does a Rhinoplasty work?

As the nose sits centrally on the face, it is often the first thing we look at when meeting somebody new or looking at a face in general, which is why Dr Yannis specialises in this type of surgery. Knowing the large role the nose plays in achieving a harmonious facial aesthetic and ratio, Dr Yannis will be able to expertly analyse your appearance and outline the best course of action to achieve your ideal shape, projection and profile.

The operation usually requires general anaesthesia but we can also offer local anaesthesia for minor procedures such as Tip Refinement. Depending on your needs, the surgical approach will vary. This might include:

• Trimming and repositioning the cartilage for tip elevation or reduction.
• Dorsum reduction for a reduction in the size of the nose or shape of the bridge.
• Altering the septum to address breathing difficulties.
• Tip restoration and reconstruction using cartilage to restore its shape. It may be necessary to use a nasal implant to reshape the nose.
• Alar base reduction surgery to reduce the size of the nostrils.

Keep reading to learn more about the types of Rhinoplasty.

✍ Alar Reduction: Changes to the width and base of the nose and nostrils.

✍ Atraumatic: Causes no trauma to the bone.

✍ Augmentation Rhinoplasty: Also known as nose correction surgery, this involves surgically altering the nose to improve the shape.

✍ Deviated Septum: When the cartilage that separates the nostrils is misaligned.

✍ Dorsum: The bridge of the nose.

✍ Dorsal Hump: A bump on the bridge of the nose.

✍ Lateral:  Anatomical term meaning the side of the nose.

✍ Nasal Grafts: A type of natural structure made from cartilage to provide additional support.

✍ Nasal Tip:  The most prominent and visible part of the nose.

✍ Nasal Valve Collapse:  Collapse of the nostril(s) and alar tissues.

✍ Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty:  A non-surgical option using strategically placed injectables, these are performed by our Aesthetic Doctor, Dr Ivona and have shorter-term results.

✍ Open and Closed Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty techniques. A Closed technique involves making incisions  inside the nostrils for surgery. An Open Rhinoplasty means the surgeon will make a discreet incision across the septum allowing access for the procedure.

✍ Piezo: An ultrasonic tool used by the surgeon allowing greater precision.

✍ Posterior: Toward the back (opposite is anterior).

✍ Post Trauma Rhinoplasty: A procedure performed to the nose where there has been damage previously, often addresses changes to the shape or asymmetry.

✍ Preservation Rhinoplasty: A surgical technique that preserves as much of the natural structure of the nose as possible whilst achieving the patient’s surgical goals.

✍ Projection: How far the nose extends away from the plane of the face.

✍ Septorhinoplasty: Reshapes our nose and your septum (the cartilage that divides the two nostrils inside the nose). Can also improve breathing difficulties.

✍ Splint: A rigid supporting dressing used following Rhinoplasty surgery to help maintain the desired shape during the healing process.

✍ Tip Refinement: Surgical procedure that alters the size and shape of the lower third of the nose.

Another Thing to Know: The Surgical Team Is Just as Important As The Surgeon

The surgery is just one part of the Rhinoplasty process, you can’t forget about before and after your operation and who will be there to guide you through how to best prepare your skin for its transformation.

Our Surgical Team on at our Harley Street clinic is small but amazing.

Your journey will begin with Abi – Abi’s our Head of Surgical Department, and following your consultation with our Plastic Surgeon, you’ll meet with her, where she’ll inform you of the full process with her high levels of medical expertise. Chloe, our Admin Co-Ordinator, will then facilitate your journey and future appointments.

Zuzana is our Surgical Nurse who understands how nerve-wracking surgery can be, and will do everything she can to put you at ease and help enhance your skin post-surgery to help minimise scarring so you can enjoy your results faster.

Our aftercare program is completely bespoke, no post-operative care plan is the same, in the same way no Rhinoplasty is the same – but one element that never changes is our patient promise and our whole team being dedicated to helping you achieve the best results and the best experience. We also promise that in the unlikely circumstances that you require revision surgery, this will be carried out free of charge too.

Call to discuss Rhinoplasty costs on 0344 692 1111.